Around the Table
You Hold Space for Others. This Is a Space for You.
Where Connection Begins
Around the Table was created after THEIRS Founder/Producer, Laura Johnson OAM, recognised that the only opportunities she had to connect with others working across the mental health and suicide prevention sector were at conferences, meetings or large events.
While these occasions were valuable, there was rarely enough time to move beyond a quick conversation, build meaningful relationships or simply check in with one another.
She wanted to create something different. An intentional space where people could slow down, connect without the pressures of a formal meeting and build genuine relationships with others who share a passion for supporting their communities.
More Than Just Dinner
Around the Table is a relaxed, quarterly dinner series that brings together lived experience advocates, clinicians, frontline workers, educators, researchers, volunteers, community leaders and anyone wanting to learn more about mental health and suicide prevention.
Each event is centred around great food, meaningful conversation and connection, with the addition of a guest speaker, interactive trivia or another engaging activity to help spark discussion, encourage collaboration and create a memorable experience.
There are no lengthy presentations or rigid agendas, just an opportunity to come together, share ideas, strengthen relationships and enjoy an evening with people who understand the importance of community.
A Space Without Agendas
At THEIRS, we believe stronger communities begin with stronger connections.
Around the Table is more than a dinner; it’s a place where conversations flourish, partnerships are formed, ideas are shared and everyone has a seat at the table.
Advocacy
Creating Change Through Community Voices
At THEIRS, we believe the people most impacted by mental health and suicide prevention challenges should have a meaningful role in shaping the solutions.
Young people and communities should not simply be consulted after decisions have been made; they should be active contributors to the conversations, ideas and changes that influence their lives.
One of the reasons THEIRS was formed was because we identified a significant gap within the mental health and wellbeing sector.
Young people were often spoken about, but there were limited opportunities for them to be genuinely heard, valued and involved in shaping the future of mental health and suicide prevention.
We wanted to help change this by creating a platform where young people could share their experiences, identify gaps, challenge existing approaches and work alongside communities, services and decision makers to create meaningful change.
Why Advocacy Matters
Advocacy is a key part of THEIRS’ work because we believe prevention requires more than individual support; it requires communities, organisations and systems to listen, learn and adapt. We work to amplify the voices of young people, families and regional communities, ensuring their experiences and perspectives are reflected in conversations about mental health, suicide prevention and wellbeing.
Our Approach
Our advocacy approach is grounded in lived experience, community knowledge and evidence.
Through research projects, community consultations, surveys and ongoing conversations with young people and stakeholders, we gather insights into the challenges communities are experiencing and use this information to inform our work, strengthen partnerships and advocate for improved approaches.
Our first community research project explored community experiences and perspectives around mental health education and awareness, providing valuable insight into the need for greater prevention-focused education.
This research, alongside the feedback we receive through our programs and events, continues to guide our priorities and future projects.
THEIRS is also developing further research initiatives that will continue exploring opportunities to improve mental health education, suicide prevention and community connection.
Creating Lasting Impact
Through our advocacy, THEIRS has contributed to conversations with government, policymakers, peak bodies, schools, services and community organisations.
We use these opportunities to share the experiences of the communities we work alongside, highlight challenges faced by regional communities and advocate for approaches that are more accessible, preventative and informed by those with lived experience.
We do not advocate to replace existing services. We advocate to strengthen the systems around them.
By connecting communities, young people, services and decision makers, we aim to create a future where prevention is prioritised, lived experience is valued and young people are recognised as leaders in creating change.
Because Every Great Conversation Starts With a Seat at the Table
Real change begins when people come together with openness, compassion, and a willingness to listen. Around the Table is more than a dinner—it’s a community where ideas are shared, partnerships are formed, and everyone is welcomed.
